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Tour Date: 01 Apr 2010 - 02 May 2010
Tour Cost ($AUD): $14,997.00
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South America is often the last continent that people visit, yet it is without doubt the world's most exciting. Steeped in history, culture and awe-inspiring scenery, it possesses the largest jungle, the longest river, the widest waterfalls and the longest mountain chain in the world. Our magnificent tour embraces all these major highlights in a stunning 32-day adventure. We begin in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most exciting city, before exploring Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. En-route we take in wonderful sights such as the great Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the stupendous Iguassu Falls. A special feature is the three-day excursion into the Amazon jungle where we stay at the famous ExplorNapo Lodge. Many of our regular travellers consider this their favourite tour!
01/04/2010 Sydney - Buenos Aires - Rio de Janeiro
Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro
Depart Sydney Aerolineas AR 1183, 12.45
Arrive Buenos Aires 15.20
Transfer to domestic airport for flight to Rio.
Depart Buenos Aires G37653, 18.55
Arrive Rio de Janeiro 21.55
We transfer to our hotel on Copacabana Beach.
Hotel Excelsior
Avenida Atlantica
Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
Ph: 0011-55-21-2195 5800
Fx: 2547 8511
02/04/2010 Rio de Janeiro (B)
Jim Gill and Tony Evans at the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain
Rio de Janeiro sweeps 20 km along a narrow alluvial strip between the mountains and the sea. Brazilians say: “God made the world in six days; the seventh he devoted to Rio.” Few people who have been to this magnificent city would argue! This morning a cable car takes us to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, uniquely situated at the entrance of Guanabara Bay.
The journey to the top is completed in two stages, which offer beautiful views of the city and its beaches.
03/04/2010 Rio de Janeiro (BD)
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Our excursion today follows Rio's famous beaches and passes Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to Cosme Velho. Here we board a funicular train for the 20-minute ride to the top of the 800m high Corcovado Mountain.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of the peak is Rio’s most famous landmark and one of the modern Wonders of the World. It weighs 1,100 tons, is 70m high and affords an incredible 360-degree view of the city.
Tonight we visit one of Rio’s most famous traditional restaurants for dinner and then attend the dazzling Plataforma 1 samba show.
04/04/2010 Rio de Janeiro (BL)
Rocinha favela, Rio de Janeiro
Today is full of surprises as we head away from the familiar tourist sights and visit the famous favelas, or slum areas. Open-topped jeeps take us on an exhilarating journey to these lively suburbs built into Rio's hillsides. Our guides are residents of the favelas who know the area intimately and ensure our tour is fascinating and safe. They give a unique insight into a part of this extraordinary city not normally visited by tourists. The view of Rio from high up in the favelas is simply extraordinary.
05/04/2010 Rio de Janeiro - Lima (BD)
Church of San Francisco
Depart Rio de Janeiro TA 143, 06.00
Arrive Lima 09.40
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Lima. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
This afternoon we enjoy a tour of Lima, including Santo Domingo Convent and the Torre Tagle Palace. Known as the 'City of the Kings', Lima was the first seat of the Spanish government in 1533 and still has many perfectly preserved buildings from this colonial period.
Jose Antonio Hotel
Miraflores, Lima
Ph: 0011-51-1-4457743
Fx: 4468295
06/04/2010 Lima (BL)
Delicious Peruvian cuisine
Continue exploring the Miraflores area and Indian markets.
07/04/2010 Lima - Amazon Jungle (BLD)
Explorama vessel, Iquitos
Depart Lima Lan Peru LP 380, 07.25
Arrive Iquitos 09.40
We transfer to Lima airport for our flight to Iquitos, deep in the Amazon Basin. On arrival we drive to the river where we board a small boat for the trip into the jungle. Our destination is the remote ExplorNapo Lodge, located 160 km down river, deep in primary rainforest. Romantic kerosene torches and lamps illuminate palm-thatched houses. Covered connecting walkways lead to the Tahuampa Bar, the dining room and the hammock house. Shared showers and toilet facilities adjoin each row of bedrooms. In the evening we take a boat trip by torchlight in search of the local wildlife.
ExplorNapo Lodge
Iquitos
08/04/2010 Amazon Jungle (BLD)
Giant water lillies deep in the Amazon
This morning we walk along a jungle trail to the stunning aerial walkway. It is the longest of its kind in the world and affords magnificent views of the jungle canopy. Our expert guides will point out many examples of native plants used as medicine by the locals.
After lunch we take a boat trip along one of the small tributaries to try our hand at piranha fishing! We may even spot the delightful freshwater dolphins found in this area.
09/04/2010 Amazon Jungle (BLD)
Nuevo San Martin, Amazonas
Today we take another boat trip to one of the remote local communities of the Amazon. The local Indians are extremely welcoming and friendly. We may also be able to visit the village school.
10/04/2010 Iquitos - Lima - Sacred Valley (BD)
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Depart Iquitos Lan Peru LP 395, 09.50
Arrive Cusco 13.25
We return by boat to Iquitos to connect with our flight to Cusco, via Lima. On arrival in Cusco we transfer to our hotel in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Libertador Valle Sagrado
Yanahuara
Urubamba
Ph: 0011-51-84-9613316
Fx: 251520
11/04/2010 Sacred Valley (BL)
Narrow walkway, Ollantaytambo
We drive to the town of Ollantaytambo, situated at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins that protected the entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing, providing excellent defences. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River - an incredible feat involving thousands of workers. Ollantaytambo is the only Inca settlement to have resisted attacks from the Spanish.
We also visit the famous Pisaq arts and crafts market, a colourful fair held every Thursday and Saturday in this delightful town.
12/04/2010 Sacred Valley (BL)
Ancient farming methods exist today in the Sacred Valley
Today we continue to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, travelling high into the mountains to visit a remote community. These charming people rarely venture out of their settlement and it is a privilege to meet them.
13/04/2010 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu (BL)
Ollantaytambo rail station
After breakfast we have an early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo for the stunning train ride to Machu Picchu.
Train departs 08.00
Arrives Machu Picchu 09.22
The railway line follows the Urubamba River valley with the snow-capped Andes towering above. After checking into our superb hotel in Machu Picchu we enjoy lunch, before making our first visit to the great ruins. Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archeological site on the continent. It is a complete city, set on the saddle of a high
mountain with terraced slopes falling away to the Urubamba River, which rushes through great
hairpin bends far below. The ruins themselves are amazing, comprising staircases, terraces,
temples, palaces, towers and the famous sundial.
Machu Picchu El Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Callientes
Machu Picchu
Ph: 0011-51-84-201620
14/04/2010 Machu Picchu - Cusco (BL)
Sarah Butler at Machu Picchu
The morning is free to continue exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu without the crowds, before our afternoon train journey to Cusco. There will be time, for those who wish, to trek to the famous Sun Gate, the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu. From here the views of the ancient citadel are extraordinary. The train ride back to Cusco is fun-filled to say the least, thanks to the delightful and hardworking crew. On arrival in Cusco we transfer to our hotel.
Train departs 15.25
Arrives Poroy (Cusco) 18.39
Picoaga Hotel
Calle Santa Teresa
Cusco
Ph: 0011-51-84-227691
Fx: 221246
15/04/2010 Cusco (BL)
Cusco
Cusco is the archeological capital of the Americas and the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Massive Inca-built stone walls line most of the city’s central streets to form the foundations of colonial and modern buildings. Many streets are stepped and narrow and inhabited by Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas.
A city tour of this fantastic ancient Inca capital takes us to the main cathedral, the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), and a number of important Inca sites outside Cusco, including Sacsayhuaman, Kenki and Tambomachay.
16/04/2010 Cusco (BD)
Inca stonework at Sacsayhuaman, Cusco
17/04/2010 Cusco - Lake Titicaca (BL)
Sunrise on Lake Titicaca, Puno
Today we make the seven-hour journey across the Andes to La Raya Pass (4,100m) and on to Puno. We stop for lunch en-route and also visit a remarkable and rarely visited Inca site. As the road weaves its way up to the heights of La Raya, we enjoy breathtaking views before a late afternoon arrival at our hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Libertador Esteves Hotel
Isla Esteves, Puno
Ph: 0011-51-51-367780
Fx: 367789
18/04/2010 Lake Titicaca (BL)
Reed boat, Lake Titicaca
We take an early morning boat ride on Lake Titicaca to visit the famous floating reed islands. These strange spongy masses are home to the Los Uros Indians, a unique tribe which pre-dates the Incan civilisation. According to their legends, they existed before the sun when the earth was still dark and cold. We have the chance to ride on one of their extraordinary reed boats before heading back to Puno. The rest of the day is at leisure.
19/04/2010 Lake Titicaca - Sun Island (BLD)
A priest makes a blessing
on Sun Island, Bolivia
Today we drive through the towns of Juli and Pomata and visit the majestic Church of the Virgin of the Lake in Copacabana. After completing both Peruvian and Bolivian border formalities, we board a hydrofoil to cross the lake. We sail to the Island of the Sun and go ashore at the unspoiled village of Yumani, where we experience the daily life of the locals tending to their animals, weaving ponchos or building their unique reed boats. We overnight on the island.
Posada del Inca (Ecolodge)
20/04/2010 Sun Island - La Paz (BL)
Royal Andean range near
the straits of Tiquina
After breakfast we explore the beautiful northern part of Sun Island. In the afternoon we sail through the straits of Tiquina where the Bolivian Navy is based. On arrival at the port of Chua we board our bus to La Paz.
Hotel Europa
Calle Tiahuanacu 64
La Paz
Ph: 0011-591-2-3155656
Fx: 2213930
21/04/2010 La Paz (BLD)
La Paz basin by night
The amazing city of La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and, as such, qualifies as the world's highest capital. Enjoying an incredible location it well deserves its nickname, 'the city that touches the sky'. Our tour begins in Government Square, from where we visit the Presidential Palace and the Indian handicraft market.
We then drive out of the city to the extraordinary Moon Valley. Formed millions of years ago when the area was under water, it is a labyrinth of bizarrely shaped sandstone formations, which give the appearance of a lunar landscape.
22/04/2010 La Paz (BL)
Site of Tiahuanaco
After breakfast we head to the legendary pre-Inca site of Tiahuanaco. It is thought to have been an important ceremonial centre and to have once bordered Titicaca. The influence of this civilisation was far-reaching, extending even to the coast of Peru where Tiahuanaco artifacts are common. These ancient people are believed to have been even more advanced than the Incas in art, pottery, astronomy and mathematics.
The site at Tiahuanaco is still under exploration and many of the monoliths have been moved to the Museo Nacional de Arqueología in La Paz for preservation and easier viewing. Still on site are the Gate of the Sun, the Acapana Pyramid and the Kalasaya compound.
23/04/2010 La Paz - Buenos Aires (B)
Tango!
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires, via Santa Cruz.
Depart La Paz Aero Sur 5L 300, 07.15
Arrive Santa Cruz 08.15
Depart Santa Cruz AR1363, 12.20
Arrive Buenos Aires 16.19
On arrival we transfer to our hotel and the evening is at leisure.
La Fayette Hotel
Reconquista 546
Buenos Aires
Ph: 0011-54-11-4393 9081
Fx: 4393 2728
24/04/2010 Buenos Aires (BD)
La Boca, Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the fabulous capital of Argentina, is the most European city in South America with many beautiful parks and plazas. 'Portenos', as the locals call themselves, are fun-loving people who enjoy their city and music.
On our city tour we take in Government House (Casa Rosada, or Pink House), the House of Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Eva Peron's tomb in the Recoleta Cemetery and the famous Italian La Boca district. In the evening we experience an exciting tango show.
25/04/2010 Buenos Aires (BL)
Tour leader Manny Yanez at
the gallop
A fun-filled relaxing day today as we head out of the city on a 'Fiesta Gaucho' tour. We drive into the fertile grasslands (pampas) that surround Buenos Aires, to an estancia (horse ranch). After cocktails and empanadas (typical pastry turnovers) our hosts provide an assado (Argentinian BBQ) and a vibrant gaucho folk show.
26/04/2010 Buenos Aires (BL)
River Plate delta
27/04/2010 Buenos Aires - Iguassu Falls (BL)
Iguassu Falls
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to the magnificent Iguassu Falls.
Depart Buenos Aires Aerolinas AR 2724, 09.30
Arrive Iguassu 11.15
Immediately after lunch we take a walk on the spectacular Argentinian side of the falls. Bridges and walkways take us to within a few metres of many of the cascades for incredible views. The most famous is the 'Devil's Throat', where the water crashes 100m to the valley below, providing an amazing view. We then drive to the border and transfer to our majestic hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
Das Cataratas Hotel
Parque Nacional Iguassu
Foz Do Iguassu
Parana, Brazil
Ph: 0011-55-45-5217000
Fx: 5221717
28/04/2010 Iguassu Falls (BL)
On the Iguassu River
The Iguassu Falls are considered by many to be the most impressive in the world, surpassing in grandeur both Niagara and Victoria. Some 275 separate cascades fall in a wild array over a winding 3-km cliff frontage into a gorge 60m deep.
The morning is spent exploring the Brazilian side of the falls. We then travel by 4WD vehicles to the Iguassu River where we board a powerful speed boat for a thrilling ride through the rapids to the very base of the falls.
29/04/2010 Iguassu Falls (BD)
Early evening at Iguassu Falls
This morning we visit the superb Iguassu bird park, home to hundreds of exotic species. The afternoon is at leisure although, weather permitting, there may be the chance of an optional tour to take a helicopter ride over the falls for a breathtaking panorama.
30/04/2010 Iguassu - Buenos Aires - Sydney (B)
Devils Throat from the air
Depart Iguassu Aerolineas AR 1729, 16.00
Arrive Buenos Aires 17.50
01/05/2010 In flight
In flight and crossing the Date Line
We cross the International Date Line en-route to Sydney.
2/05/2010 Arrive Sydney
Arrive Sydney 10.15
We arrive in Sydney and transfer to the domestic terminal for our connecting flight home.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
APRIL 2010 DEPARTURE
TOUR COST: $14,997
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,155
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and South America
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All flights, transportation and transfers within South America
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Tour escort
* All local sightseeing as per itinerary
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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